Frankfort, Ky. -- The Kentucky Army National Guard has exceeded its annual recruiting goals for the fifth year in a row.

Brig. Gen. John W. Heltzel and members of the Kentucky Army National Guard gathered on the steps of the state capitol building today to make the announcement.

"It doesn't get better than this," said Heltzel. "Our goal for 2008 was to reach 7,200 troops and we exceeded that number by 72 Soldiers. I am so proud of our recruiting force. They are one of the very best in the nation and are at the top of their game."

More than 1,300 recruits signed on with the Kentucky Guard in fiscal year 2008, bringing the total strength number to 7,272. Attrition, the rate of which Soldiers leave service, dropped to an all-time low of 18%.

"This is remarkable," Heltzel remarked in regards to the attrition rate. "It's important to remember that we are a nation at war. Kentuckians are volunteering once again. We are an all-volunteer force and Kentuckians exemplify the Army values."

The announcement comes while the Kentucky National Guard currently has more than 700 Soldiers and Airmen deployed fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 10,000 Kentucky Guard members have been deployed overseas since 2001. Kentucky's Citizen-Soldiers have also been instrumental in domestic missions, mobilizing several thousand in support of relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike.

To learn more about the Kentucky National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs,visit: www.dma.ky.gov